Human-Computer Interface

Human-Computer Interface

1. GUI (WIMP)

   • Advantages
     • Low level ICT skills needed
     • Can help the younger audience aswell with pictures.
     • You do not need to learn complicated commands
     • They let you exchange data between different software applications
   • Disadvantages
     • They can be slow for experience programmers
     • They use more processing power

2. Command line interface

   • Advantages
     • If the user knows the correct commands then this type of interface can be much faster than any other type of interface
     • This type of interface does not use as much CPU processing time as others
     • A CLI does not require Windows to run
     • A low resolution, cheaper monitor can be used with this type of interface
   • Disadvantages
     • For someone who has never used a CLI, it can be very confusing
     • Commands have to be typed precisely. If there is a spelling error the command will fail
     • If you mis-type an instruction, it is often necessary to start from scratch again

3. Menu driven interface

   • Advantages
     • Extremely easy to use. Someone who has never seen the interface before can work out what to do
     • Step-by-step options are given so that the user doesn't have to remember anything
     • Menu interfaces don't have to be visual, they can be spoken - good for telephones or for visually impaired people
   • Disadvantages
     • A poorly designed menu interface may be slow to use
     • You often can't go to the exact place you want right at the start. You have to work your way through the menu screens even if you know where you want to get to
     • If the menu is poorly designed it might be hard to read e.g. writing is too small for people with poor sight, colours might clash and be difficult to read, font style might be hard to read.

4. Touch sensetive interface

   • Disadvantages
     • Need to understand the language or the meaning of the icons
     • If the screen becomes damaged it might not pick up the touch command
   • Advantages
     • Intuitive to use
     • Do not need good ICT skills such as typing to be able to use
     • Can be adapted for many uses e.g. cashpoint machine, shop, ticket sales office, garage

5. Biometrics - fingerprints, voice patterns, retina (eye)